According to Swami Satyananda Saraswati the path to true happiness was possible if one focused on one’s true nature through specific principles.

Regular practice of Yoga was the first step. Yoga cleared the energetic blocks through asana, pranayama and meditation. Deep seated tensions were released and the mind was brought to a calm and harmonious state.

One must not depend on external circumstances to be happy. One will swing between happiness and unhappiness. True joy exists within and has no cause. The mind plays a role. Happiness and sorrow are within one. If one is ridden with anxiety and tension then it is impossible to experience lasting happiness. If one attempts to fulfill one’s search for peace through external objects and events, then the gratification is short-lived.

Therefor one must learn to becoming a witness to one’s thoughts. It was the next step. He recommended that one should sit quietly for 10-20 minutes and watch one’s thoughts. One should become a witness and be non-judgmental. This quietened the mind and led to tranquility should attempt to exercise control over one’s mind so that one is not in a state of disharmony and being a thought witness was the best way.

Aim Hrim Klim